I can’t believe it. After several failed attempts at my home (and my blog, curse them) the bugs have launched a soft-target campaign. I guess they realized that the bug spray I put down was a bit too hefty (although it hasn’t stopped them from breaching my air space). Instead they have unearthed a specialized squadron focused on a slash and scorch campaign. Here are some pictures with story.

This is the cherry tree out back, prunus species. In the early summer it blossomed and was the home for many a neighborhood bird. Now, it’s looking a bit thin…

Note how the leaves seem a bit translucent.

 

When you get a closer look you can see the holes throughout the leaves, only in the meaty part of the leaves between the veins. What are those black dots in the background…?

 

Those are Japanese Beetles. A metallic colored hard shell makes them invulnerable to most predator insect attacks and completely unattractive to birds. Mid summer, they come up from the ground and begin to feed on various trees and flowers from the top down. I’m reminded of the Scourge (spoilers) or the Replicators.

 

Where there are two, more will follow; when they feed they release pheromones. When pheromones are in the air sweet, sweet mating begins: gross. Not only are they reproducing but they have made a complete mess of the tree. The dogwood and evergreens are fine because they don’t find them tasty but I’m sure the Bugs will summon some other creature to attack those things. Maybe the dreaded Balrog.